Former Dodgers World Series Champion Lands a Deal With Divisional Rival on Sunday
Former Dodgers World Series Champion Lands a Deal With Divisional Rival on Sunday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers turn towards younger prospects while continuing their pursuit of repeating as World Series champions in 2025, some well-known names haven't been with the team this season.
Advertisement
Former Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes was given the unfortunate news that Los Angeles was moving on from him on May 14, as he was released alongside Chris Taylor in a week's span.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes (15) celebrates with designated hitter Chris Taylor (3) after scoring in the fifth inning as Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) reacts at Dodger Stadium.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Los Angeles called up 2022 second-round pick Dalton Rushing earlier this season, showing that manager Dave Roberts was in pursuit of a different option at the catching position.
All-Star Will Smith has a secure position on the roster with his $140 million contract, so Austin Barnes, who was the guy on the hot seat, was let go to make Rushing the replacement for a struggling Barnes moving forward.
Austin Barnes would then take on free agency, and after over a month of searching for a new team to land on, it's been announced that the two-time World Series champion signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night.
After serving his entire 11-year career with the Dodgers, Barnes will continue his baseball journey with Los Angeles' division rival.
Advertisement
Although Barnes sigend a minor league deal, he wil start with the Giants' Arizona Complex League team to get back into playing shape. He will likely be inserted into the Giants' 40-man roster sometime this season and provide depth for them in a struggling catcher position.
The two catchers the Giants have on roster, Patrick Bailey and Andrew Knizner, have both been struggling to find a groove this 2025 season.
Bailey currently has a .194 BA and Knizner has a .103 BA, so Austin Barnes will likely have a chance at appearing on the 40-man roster sometime within the season.
In the 42 at-bats Barnes appeared in for the Dodgers this season, he posted a .214 BA, .233 OBP, .286 SLG, and a .518 OPS while hitting two RBI.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
12 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Diamondbacks snap a 4-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Giants
PHOENIX (AP) — Alek Thomas went 3 for 3 with two runs scored, Ryne Nelson struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Monday night. One pitch after Nelson was pulled in the seventh after exceeding his pitch count, Tyler Fitzgerald sent a shot to the warning track in center — just past a diving Thomas — to score two runs and tie it at 2. The Diamondbacks answered with a run in the seventh on Geraldo Perdomo's bloop single to score Thomas. A controversial call for fan interference came in the top of the eighth on Christian Koss' deep shot to left-center field, resulting in a ground-rule double. John Curtiss struck out Rafael Devers and Shelby Miller came in to get Heliot Ramos looking. Eugenio Suarez added a solo shot in the eighth — his 11th home run in June. The Giants have lost three in a row. Nelson allowed two earned runs and five hits, while not giving up a walk. Curtiss (1-0) got his first win of the season and Miller earned his first career four-out save. Diamondbacks pitchers combined to hold the 1-2-3 hitters to 1 for 12 with seven strikeouts. San Francisco stater Logan Webb (7-6) allowed three earned runs and seven hits, while striking out seven in 6 1/3 innings. Key moment San Francisco manager Bob Melvin was ejected in the ninth inning after arguing with the home plate umpire. Key stat Webb allowed just his seventh home run of the season when Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit his 11th in the sixth for a 2-0 lead. Up next Arizona will start RHP Zac Gallen (5-9, 5.75 ERA) on Tuesday night against the Giants, who he has beaten twice in a row with a 0.75 ERA. San Francisco will go with RHP Hayden Birdsong (0-0, 4.13 ERA). ___ AP MLB:
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Deandre Ayton's Luka Doncic Message Resurfaces After Lakers News
Deandre Ayton's Luka Doncic Message Resurfaces After Lakers News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Deandre Ayton has become one of the most talked-about big men of this offseason after finalizing a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. The 26-year-old center, who averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in 40 games last season, chose to move on as Portland continues to rebuild its frontcourt depth. Advertisement With his contract off the books in Portland, Ayton is now expected to draw serious interest in the free agent market for teams in need of size. One of the strongest potential landing spots is the Los Angeles Lakers, who have emerged as a possible destination if they pursue an interior upgrade to complement Luka Doncic. Former Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and former Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22).Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports The Lakers have been linked to multiple frontcourt moves this summer and adding a proven center remains high on their list. Ayton's connection to Doncic has come back into the spotlight after an old interview clip resurfaced online. In the clip, Ayton was asked what makes defending Doncic such a challenge. Advertisement 'I mean, damn near everything," he said. "He knows where his guys are at on the floor, get to the rim anytime, everybody knows his step back three. He's a playmaker, man, and a scorer. So we have our hands full.' This clip has resurfaced amid news from The Athletic's Dan Woike and others that Ayton is indeed a target for Los Angeles. Ayton and Doncic share a draft history too — both were lottery picks in the 2018 NBA Draft, with Ayton selected first overall by the Phoenix Suns and Doncic going third to the Dallas Mavericks (via Atlanta). They've also faced each other in multiple playoff matchups in recent years. For the Lakers, a potential deal to land Ayton could fill a major need for rim protection and rebounding, while giving Doncic a reliable pick-and-roll partner inside. Advertisement Related: Austin Reaves News Turns Heads After $90 Million Lakers Decision Related: New Report on LeBron James to Mavericks Trade Possibility This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jason Kelce Makes Exciting Personal Announcement on Saturday
Jason Kelce Makes Exciting Personal Announcement on Saturday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. While Jason Kelce has transitioned into a new chapter as a TV personality and co-host of the "New Heights" podcast with his brother Travis Kelce, his ties to Philadelphia remain as strong as ever after spending 13 seasons with the Eagles. Advertisement Over the past few days, Kelce wrapped up his annual fundraiser, Team 62, which supports the Eagles Autism Foundation. Now in its fifth year, the event takes place in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, and is a community favorite. On Saturday, Kelce shared a heartfelt post about the event and made a major announcement—Team 62 raised over $1 million for the Eagles Autism Foundation, surpassing its original goal. "The last couple of days were intense, but by far our most successful Shore Birds event to date!" Jason wrote. "Because of everyone's efforts and support we were able to achieve our goal of raising over 1 MILLION DOLLARS for The Eagles Autism Foundation. He continued, "As always, Sea Isle City showed up and showed out. Tons of people came and spent their time and money in supporting this mission, and we couldn't be more grateful to all of you that attended and made these events special!" Jason Kelce has been a cornerstone of the Philadelphia community ever since he was drafted in the sixth round out of Cincinnati back in 2011. He went on to become not only one of the best centers in the NFL but also the heart and soul of the Eagles franchise, playing a pivotal role in their 2018 Super Bowl victory. Former NFL player and ESPN commentator Jason KelceDenny Medley-Imagn Images That passion for the city and the organization still runs deep. Throughout the week, Kelce had the support of several current and former Eagles stars at his fundraiser, including Cooper DeJean, recently retired Brandon Graham, fan-favorite "Big Dom," Sydney Brown, and countless other Philadelphia legends. Advertisement Related: Jason Kelce Reveals One Rule His Wife Kylie Imposed On Him This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
